𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐒 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐦𝐚

Governor George Natembeya photo Courtesy of People Daily

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced plans to convert Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale into a university after the completion of a proposed KSh1 billion Level 5 hospital funded by the national government.

Speaking to the media on Monday, October 19, 2026, Natembeya said the county needed a university more than another hospital, arguing that the area already had several health facilities.

The announcement comes amid a growing disagreement between Natembeya and President William Ruto over the construction of the new hospital, which the President says will improve access to healthcare for residents.

Natembeya maintained that he supports development but wants the national government to invest in projects that address the county’s other needs, including higher education.

“Trans Nzoia as a county also deserves development because we pay taxes. We have four hospitals in the same town, so upon completion of the Ksh1 billion hospital, we will transform the Wamalwa Kijana Hospital into a university because we cannot have four hospitals in the same town,” Natembeya stated.

The governor said he would cooperate with the national government to ensure the proposed hospital is constructed, despite the disagreement over the project.

“He is saying he has a Ksh1 billion for another hospital. I have said we will not frustrate the construction of the facility and we will fully cooperate,” he added.

In May 2025, the Trans Nzoia County Government reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bells University of Technology in Nigeria to support plans to establish a university in the county.

However, it remains unclear whether the proposed conversion of Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital will be linked to that partnership.

The dispute intensified after Ruto accused Natembeya of frustrating the hospital project. The President announced the KSh1 billion investment during his visit to the county, saying the facility would help address healthcare challenges facing residents.

Natembeya has also accused the national government of taking credit for development projects funded by the county government.He cited the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, which he said was built using county resources with support from the World Bank.

The governor argued that the national government should clearly distinguish its projects from those funded by county administrations.

The disagreement has renewed debate over the responsibilities of national and county governments in delivering development projects, as well as the need to balance investment in healthcare with other public services, including higher education.